JoAnne Thompson–Carr, family matriarch

Mother JoAnne Thompson–Carr was born Jan. 17, 1944, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital to the late Arthur James Thompson (Mack) and Gladys Merrill-Thompson. She made her transition Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

Mother Carr was raised in Seaford, received her formal education in the Seaford School District and was a high school graduate. Education was very important to Mother Carr, and she would read everything she could get her hands on. She spent over 40 years of employment in the agriculture production industry. Mother Carr was very caring, compassionate, loving and personable.

Mother Carr was an active sports fan throughout her life. She played basketball in her younger years and was a true Dallas Cowboys fan. She loved music and many outdoor activities i.e., fishing, crabbing and family cookouts. Mother Carr was also able to drive anything with wheels, from a tractor to an 18-wheeler tractor-trailer. 

Mother Carr was the Matriarch of her family. Mothering seemed very easy and natural to her. Mother Carr loved her children and assured them that they were always well-mannered and respectful. She was family-oriented and would establish and maintain traditions to ensure that family relations stayed strong. Mother Carr provided protection and security to her children which supports them have a strong sense of self-worth. She was a praying and prayerful person. She shared family with all who knew her.

Mother Carr was very active in her community work throughout her life. She was a devoted Christian and believed in the word and scriptures. Mother Carr actively attended Rehoboth Temple of Praise in Laurel and has held various leadership positions including Mother of the Church. She truly believed in “Walking by Faith, Not by Sight.” The following supports some of the ongoing deeds completed by Mother Carr as per the Rehoboth Temple of Praise. Mother Carr was a blessing to the body of Christ. She was the first to come to church and open the church. Mother Carr was the first person to Wednesday Bible Study and never missed a session. She facilitated Tuesday night prayer and never missed a session. Mother Carr was the first greeter and would pray for members as they came into the church. She worked with the outreach and food ministry. Mother Carr would also deliver food to families that had no transportation to pick it up from the church. She assisted with helping to raise Bishop Wilson’s sons by staying for weeks at a time in Baltimore, Md. Mother Carr would visit the sick and many times support them by accompanying them to their appointments. She would always give words of encouragement and inspiration to others. Mother Carr never complained about things.

Mother Carr was a true soldier of the Lord and provided care and compassion toward all she knew and/or met. There was nothing that she would not do for anyone that was in need. Mother Carr loved and lived for the Lord and every step of her life was guided by that love. She again was a firm believer in “Walking by Faith, Not by Sight.”

Mother Carr was an exceptionally good cook. There was no food that she would ever prepare that would not have you asking for more.

Mother Carr is in her new eternal resting status. She was preceded in death by her parents, the late Arthur and Gladys Thompson; three brothers, Wayne Thompson, William Thompson and Prentis Doughty; son, Michael Thompson; and daughter, Andrea Thompson.

Mother Carr leaves to cherish in her memory three daughters, Cynthia Neal (Delmar), Linda Thompson (Seaford) and Denise Thompson (Seaford); and a son, Philip Thompson (Bear); one sister, Marilyn Fooks (Anthony); and sister-in-law, Wanda Thompson; godson, LePre Doughty; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family members.

A celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 29, at Gateway Fellowship Church, 8110 Cannon Road, Bridgeville, where friends may call from 2 to 3 p.m. for viewing and visitation. Interment will follow at Cokesbury Cemetery, 5941-5999 Cokesbury Road, Rhodesdale, Md.

Mask wearing is required and social distancing must be observed by all service attendees and participants.

Electronic condolences via watsonfh.com.